WHAT IS IT?
An examination of the Bladder and Urethra (the tube from the bladder) by a telescope, performed by your surgeon.
HOW IS IT DONE?
A very small telescope is passed up the urethra. The urethra is about 4cm long in the female and 15cm long in the male. Local anaesthetic (lignocaine) lubricating jelly is applied to make the passage of the telescope more comfortable. Passage of the cystoscope up the urethra is well tolerated although it may cause a minor degree of discomfort. Once the telescope reaches the bladder the bladder is usually examined without discomfort.
WHY IS IT DONE?
To investigate the cause of blood in the urine, recurrent infections and irritative conditions of the bladder like pain, frequency or urgency and to exclude more serious conditions like a bladder growth. Small biopsies of the bladder lining can also be taken if required.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The procedure takes about 10 minutes but your will usually be asked to arrive about one hour prior to allow for your hospital admission and preparation time. Allow 3 hours in total at the hospital.
WHAT PREPARATION IS REQUIRED?
No special preparation is required before arrival. You do not need to fast unless instructed otherwise. On arrival you will be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure and you may be given a dose of antibiotic to prevent a urinary infection. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Before the local anaesthetic jelly is applied the genital region will be washed with an antiseptic.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTERWARDS?
The first few times you pass your urine after the procedure you may see a small amount of blood, especially if a biopsy was taken, and you may experience a burning sensation. These symptoms are short lived and usually resolve within 24 hours.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS?
There is a small, <5%, risk of developing a urine infection in the few days following the procedure. If you become unwell, or develop a fever, urgency or pain urinating you will need a urine test for infection and possibly a course of antibiotics. If you experience heavy bleeding or the bleeding is not resolving in 24-48 hours, contact your surgeon at the rooms (08 8239 9109), or through Calvary Hospital.
Version: V2, July 2013
